yea it's very easy. you just need to take off the heatsink swap the proccessor, put on thermal compound and put the heatrsink back on. for instructions on how to apply thermal paste and make sure you buy thermal paste. it's ~$4.

Uh oh ... I don't even know what 'heatsink' is. Am I in trouble here? Perhaps I should take it to a tech. Will the processor come with thermal paste? What about the little sticker for the front of my PC; will it come with that?

 

Thanks for your help! :)

 

K

most  of the info u need to change the processor is in your manual , be sure to buy some arctic silver compound

Not sure what Dell supply with their processors if its the complete kit or if its just a processor. Also not sure if you are able to return it to Dell and they will fit the processor. To my knowledge these services are not offered here in the UK.

I'm buying the processor from Dell, so it should be compatible, right? I guess I can just send my PC back and get Dell to send me a new one. It'll take a couple of weeks, but at least it'll be done properly ...

 

K

You could easily do it yourself just read up on how to change/fit a processor. After that if your still not comfortable take it to a tech. Its not complicated but then again I've lost count how many times I've done it. Have a read about their are some excellent guides on the net to read about doing it.

 

To replace or change a PSU you'd need to first ensure its compatible ask on these boards for that.

Find preferably an OEM processor it will just come itself, if you really want the sticker then go for retail.

 

Second buy thermal paste and cleaner.

 

Third fit! 

If you have an H2C, it's a little painful.  If you don't, then it's just two screws.

Why or why would u over pay through dell?You can pick them up alot cheaper online if u justdo some searcing and also ebay if u trust them.Its easy to replace just read up before you do it and just take ur time.if u have any questions get back on here and we can walk you thro it.Its really easy and when ur done ull say i cant believe it was that simple..Youll fell like a pro, well semi pro..:smileywink:

Here's a step by step how-to video from Dell. This'll give you an idea of whether or not you want to do this. And in my opinion, you can handle it.

You guys are overlooking that he's dropping $1000 on a processor.

 

Ken, I swapped my E6850 with the QX6850.  No it's not difficult, but then again I've been arounf PCs my whole life and swapped a number of processors.  To be perfectly honest, I suggest taking it to someone that has done this kind of thing before. 

 

...here is a quick how-to.

 

If you do not understand these steps, let someone else do it.  Just my 2 cents. 

 

1. Loosen the 2 screws on the heat sink (big thing in the middle of the case that says 'XPS' on it.   These screws to not come all the way out.

 

2. Disconnect heatsink fan from motherboard.  You do not have to do this, but it helps to get the heatsink & fan completely out of the way.

 

3. Pull up on the heatsink, the side with the fan.  The heatsink is on a hinge, so lift the one side up and then pull the entire thing up and out of the case.

 

4.  Unlatch the processor and remove.

 

5. Clean heatsink of any and all existing thermal grease

 

6. Place new processor

 

7. Apply thermal grease - there are specific instructions on the Artic Silver website on how to apply thermal grease/paste to a quad core

 

8. Reconnect heat sink fan to motherboard

 

9. Place heatsink back on

 

10. Turn on PC